Scyther
With ninja-like agility and speed, it can create the illusion that there is more than one.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Bug Buzz is the STAB anchor of this set. The Bug-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Scyther's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Bug weaknesses.
Fly adds Normal coverage to Scyther's arsenal. This move catches opponents off guard who switch in expecting only Bug damage, providing neutral coverage.
Signal Beam rounds out the moveset with Normal-type coverage. Use this move when Scyther's STAB attacks would be resisted, as it can hit targets that would otherwise wall Scyther's primary attacks.
Pin Missile serves as Scyther's main Bug-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Scyther's Attack of 110, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Bug.
Strengths
- ▸Scyther's Bug/Flying typing gives its STAB moves like Bug Buzz and Pin Missile a 50% damage bonus, hitting notably hard against matching weaknesses
- ▸Type resistances to Bug, Fighting, Grass allow Scyther to switch in safely against these attack types
- ▸The ability to completely avoid Ground damage gives Scyther a unique defensive edge in battles
- ▸An impressive 110 attack stat lets Scyther deal significant damage
Weaknesses
- ▸Scyther's dual Bug/Flying typing creates a crippling 4x Rock weakness that opponents will exploit
- ▸Scyther's spAtk stat of 55 is a weak point that limits its overall effectiveness
- ▸Scyther faces competition from other Bug types with better stats or movepools
Pro Tips
Focus VP training on Attack to capitalize on Scyther's higher physical Attack stat. Consider Life Orb or Choice Scarf to boost Scyther's damage or speed further. Predict Electric moves and double-switch to preserve Scyther for later. Build teams that cover Scyther's weaknesses while it handles the matchups it's strong against.
Competitive Role
In competitive play, Scyther functions primarily as a fast offensive sweeper. The 500 BST distribution, highlighted by 110 attack, defines how Scyther should be built and deployed. Its Bug/Flying typing creates vulnerabilities to Electric, Fire, Flying types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Bug, Fighting, Grass provide switch-in opportunities. When used correctly, Scyther can consistently contribute to wins.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Scyther brings a 500 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a attack-focused build. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Bug Buzz, Pin Missile) with coverage moves (Fly, Signal Beam), giving Scyther answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Electric, Fire, Flying mean Scyther must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Bug, Fighting, Grass provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Ground gives Scyther a unique defensive advantage. Its Tier A rating places Scyther in the upper competitive bracket, where it can consistently contribute to team success. For optimal performance, build Scyther with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Electric-type opponents: Scyther is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Scyther in against Electric types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Electric. If forced to fight, use Bug Buzz and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Bug-type opponents: Scyther has the advantage here. Its Bug typing reduces incoming Bug damage, allowing Scyther to tank hits and retaliate with Bug Buzz. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Ground-type moves: Scyther is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Ground attacks and bring Scyther in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: With 105 Speed, Scyther outspeeds most of the unboosted metagame. It will move first against anything slower than base 105, giving it initiative in most matchups. Watch out for Choice Scarf users and priority moves. Against Fire-type opponents: Scyther has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Bug moves deal super-effective damage to Fire types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Scyther when you expect Fire types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
In the opening turns, Lead with Scyther when you anticipate the opponent leading with something Scyther can threaten with its Bug/Flying STAB moves.
With a attack stat of 110, Scyther functions best as a offensive sweeper.
The key is to identify matchups where Scyther can either deal damage safely or force the opponent to switch, giving you tempo advantage.
Avoid leading with it against Electric types, as they can punish Scyther heavily.
Mid-game is where Scyther needs to make its biggest impact.
With moves like Fly and Signal Beam, Scyther can adapt to different threats.
If the opponent brings out a Electric type, immediately switch to a teammate that resists it.
Remember that Scyther's attack of 110 is its greatest asset—play to that strength.
In the endgame, Scyther can serve as a win condition if its counters have been eliminated.
With 500 base stat total, it has the raw power to clean up weakened teams.
Save Scyther for the final stretch when the opponent's answers to it are gone, then sweep with Bug Buzz and Fly.
The tier A rating reflects Scyther's ability to close out games when properly supported.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Add Electric typing to your team to switch in when Scyther faces Electric-type threats
- ▸Add a Speed-boosting teammate (Tailwind, Trick Room) to give Scyther the initiative in battle
- ▸Combine with a pivot (Volt Switch, U-turn) user to bring Scyther in safely on favorable matchups
- ▸Consider adding a Steel type for defensive synergy, as Steel covers many of Scyther's potential weaknesses
How to Counter
- ▸Send in a Electric-type Pokemon with STAB Electric moves to exploit Scyther's type weakness for super-effective damage
- ▸Paralyze Scyther to cut its Speed and remove its initiative advantage
- ▸Paralysis halves Scyther's Speed and may cause it to lose turns, neutralizing its offensive threat
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Scyther with a Electric-type Pokemon that can switch into Electric attacks. This defensive core covers Scyther's primary weakness while Scyther handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Offensive Core: Combine Scyther with a setup sweeper that benefits from Scyther's ability to weaken walls. Use Bug Buzz to chip down tanks, then bring in your sweeper to clean up. Add a priority user to handle faster threats.
Stall Core: Scyther can function in a stall-oriented team by using its resistances to Bug, Fighting to wall specific attackers. Add entry hazard setters and other defensive Pokemon to gradually wear down the opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Scyther good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Scyther is a solid pick in Pokemon Champions, rated Tier A. With 500 total stats and a Bug/Flying typing, it performs well in most team compositions. While not the strongest option available, Scyther is reliable and can win games when used correctly.
Q:What's the best item for Scyther?
A:The best items for Scyther are Life Orb (for extra damage with the cost of some HP), Choice Scarf (to outspeed even more threats), or Focus Sash (to guarantee survival against a super-effective hit). Given Scyther's high Speed of 105, Life Orb is often the optimal choice for maximizing damage output.
Q:What nature should I use for Scyther?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Scyther, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Scyther to outspeed specific threats. Since Scyther's Attack (110) exceeds its Special Attack (55), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Scyther?
A:Scyther's biggest counters are Electric-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Scyther before it acts, especially given its 105 Speed. To beat Scyther, use Electric STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.